Responsible Gaming

Last updated: 2026-05-04

Gambling should be entertainment—not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If you choose to gamble, do so only if it is legal where you live and you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction (often 21+ in the US).

Safer play guidelines

Set a budget and treat losses as the cost of entertainment. Never chase losses.
Set time limits; take regular breaks and avoid gambling when tired, stressed, or using alcohol/drugs.
Don’t borrow money to gamble; keep gambling separate from bills and savings.
Keep track of your time and spend; consider using deposit/spend/time limits when available.

Warning signs of problem gambling

Gambling to escape, improve mood, or cope with anxiety/depression.
Lying about gambling, hiding spending, or feeling irritable when trying to stop.
Chasing losses, increasing bets to get the same excitement, or repeated failed attempts to cut back.
Financial harm (missed bills, debt) or relationship/work/school problems due to gambling.

Cool-down & self-exclusion

Many licensed gambling operators and US states offer tools such as time-outs (cool-downs), limit-setting, and voluntary self-exclusion programs. These options may restrict access for a selected period and may not be immediately reversible.

If you gamble with a licensed operator, check your account settings for limits and time-outs.
For self-exclusion, contact the operator and/or your state/tribal regulator for official program details.
Consider device/app blocking tools and removing saved payment methods to reduce impulse play.

Get help (US)

If you or someone you know may be experiencing gambling harm, support is available:

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): 1-800-522-4700 (24/7). ncpgambling.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. 988lifeline.org
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Regulator information directories

State gaming regulators directory (American Gaming Association): americangaming.org/resources/state-gaming-regulators
Tribal gaming (National Indian Gaming Commission): nigc.gov
NCPG state resources: ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/state-resources